Situation in FBiH remains unstable: Risk of river flooding, torrential flows, flooding of lower areas and possible landslides

(Patria) - The Federal Administration of Civil Protection (FUCZ) has published updated information on the situation as of today, stating that snowfall, along with snowmelt, continues to cause high water levels in rivers of the first and second category in the area of seven cantons, and that there is a risk of flooding, torrential flows, flooding of lower areas and possible landslides.

Based on available information and reports from cantonal administrations and municipal/city civil protection services, the FUCZ points out that it can be concluded that the situation in FBiH remains unstable regarding hydrometeorological conditions, especially due to low air temperatures.

The Federal Hydrometeorological Institute has issued an orange warning for January 8 and 9 due to expected extremely low air temperatures.

The warning for January 8 applies to the Krajina region, where minimum air temperatures of -14 to -10°C are expected, while in the central, eastern and northern areas of Bosnia, the same minimum temperatures are expected on January 9.

The FUCZ continuously, through the Federal Operational Center for Civil Protection, monitors the situation in the affected areas of the entire Federation of BiH, assesses the situation and the need for assistance in resources and equipment.

Employees of this administration are in constant communication and, if necessary, provide expert assistance to executive bodies of lower levels of government in order to respond to the situation in the most efficient manner.

During January 7, at the request of the Cantonal Administration of Civil Protection of BPK Goražde, the FUCZ delivered two submersible/sludge pumps to Goražde, which were needed to rehabilitate the flooded water factory in Vitkovići, with the aim of re-establishing water supply in Goražde.

Water supply was restored in the early evening hours of January 7, but the water disappeared again after an hour due to problems with the inflow of water from the Drina River into the basins of the water factory.

According to data from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, on Friday, January 9, a new cloud cover from the west will cause new snow in higher areas, while on Saturday, January 10, snow will fall in most of the country, and rain in the south.

In the morning hours, rain that may freeze is possible in the lowlands. Five to 15 centimeters of new snow is forecast.

Given that, according to FHMZ forecasts, low temperatures and snowfall that could cause problems are expected in the coming period in the area of the Federation of BiH, it is necessary that cantonal and municipal/city civil protection services continue to continuously visit the areas most threatened by snowfall, floods and landslides.

It is also necessary that they immediately put, if they have not done so already, their organized protection and rescue forces (protection and rescue services and specialized civil protection units) on standby, so that they are ready as first response forces and, in accordance with their competencies and obligations, react to potential dangers to protect people and material goods.

Federal specialized civil protection units remain on standby in case of need for their engagement, i.e., rapid response, and will be activated immediately in accordance with received requests and orders.